Written information for tenants and the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet: what agents must give

The Renters' Rights Act created two paperwork duties that catch agencies out. New tenancies since 1 May 2026 need certain written information about the key terms given before the tenancy is agreed. Existing tenants with a written agreement needed the government's Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.

Both are enforced by councils, with fines of up to £7,000. This guide explains who needs what, by when, and the detail that makes a lot of sheets invalid. Checked against gov.uk on 17 September 2026.

At a glance

New tenancies: written key terms

For every tenancy created on or after 1 May 2026, the landlord must give the tenant certain written information about the key terms, such as the landlord's name and address, the rent and when it is due, the deposit, repair responsibilities, and which bills the tenant pays.

It must be given before the tenancy agreement is signed or the tenancy is otherwise agreed. It can be part of a written tenancy agreement, or given separately. The full list is in gov.uk's guidance Written information that must be given to tenants.

Existing tenants: the Information Sheet

Most landlords and letting agents had to give existing tenants with a wholly or partly written tenancy agreement the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026. It explains how the reforms affect their tenancy. It is not needed for lodgers.

Where an agent manages the property, gov.uk says the agent must have given the Information Sheet, even if the landlord has also given it.

How to send the Information Sheet

You can:

• post it or hand it over as a printed copy, or
• send the PDF as an attachment, for example to an email or text message.

You must not email or text a link to the PDF. gov.uk says a link is not valid. If your team sent a batch email with a link to the government page, those tenants have not been given the sheet.

If you missed the deadline

The duty did not disappear on 1 June. Give the sheet (or the written terms, for verbal tenancies) now, record how and when you gave it, and keep the evidence. A council can still take action for the failure.

A checklist for agencies

1. Check every tenancy that started before 1 May 2026 has a record of the Information Sheet being given, and how.
2. Re-send as an attachment to anyone who only received a link.
3. For verbal tenancies, send the written key terms and record the date.
4. For every new tenancy, make sure the key terms are in the agreement or sent separately before signing.
5. Keep proof of delivery on the tenancy record.

Keeping it on track in Letfold

Letfold stores documents on each tenancy, sends tenancy agreements for e-signing, and keeps messages with tenants on the tenancy record, so you can show what was sent and when. New tenancies in England are set up as assured periodic tenancies. See tenancies and agreements, and the Renters' Rights Act guide for letting agents.

Each tenancy in England also has an Information given to the tenant section. It shows whether the tenancy needs the written key terms or the Information Sheet, and records what was given, the date and how (a PDF attachment, post, by hand or in the agreement). Tenancies with nothing recorded are flagged.

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to give tenants the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet?

Most landlords and letting agents had to give it to existing tenants with a written tenancy agreement by 31 May 2026. Where an agent manages the property, the agent must have given it.

Can I email a link to the Information Sheet?

No. gov.uk says emailing or texting a link is not valid. Send the PDF as an attachment, or give a printed copy.

What written information is needed for a new tenancy?

Written information about the key terms, such as the landlord's details, rent, deposit, repair responsibilities and bills, given before the tenancy is agreed. It can be part of the tenancy agreement.

What is the fine for not giving the written information?

Up to £7,000.

Sources

Checked on 17 September 2026:

• The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 (gov.uk, updated 8 June 2026)
• Tenancy agreements: written information for your tenant (gov.uk)
• The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026 (legislation.gov.uk)

This article is general information for England, not legal advice.